Making A Difference: Teacher Shocked By Being Named Teacher Of Year

June 13, 2008|By STEPHEN H. COWLES, scowles@dailypress.com 247-4538

As the school term concludes, Brian C. Gault can look back on it with a sense of pride. For one thing, when it came to teaching economics for the first time to eighth-graders, "I found this year went better than I thought it would."

For another, Gault and eight female teachers in Isle of Wight County were recognized earlier this spring as "Teachers of the Year" for their contributions to education. When told the news, "I was shocked," he said. "But it's very nice to be recognized by our peers. It's kind of a validation."

Q: What is your work and how long have you been doing so?

A: This is my fourth year teaching at Smithfield Middle School. The last three years I have taught seventh-grade U.S. history. This current school year I have been teaching eighth-grade civics and economics.

Q: How many hours do you put in an average week?

A: The average week I spend around 45-50 hours a week working, depending on the time of year.

Q: What keeps you motivated?

A: As a teacher you owe it to your students and the community to give your job 100 percent effort. The students deserve nothing less. Teachers can and do make a lasting impact on their students.

Q: How has this service challenged you?

A: Every day is a new day and every student is different. For example, to the kids in economics classes, they're not working, not paying taxes, not shopping for themselves and not paying bills. They think it's something they're going to do in the future, but it's hard to conceptualize what they don't have in their daily lives. Also, in general, the students' reactions. Some will get it. But using the same lesson plan with others doesn't get the same response. You have to change it up. You must constantly evaluate what you do.

Q: What has been your most memorable/intense experience as a teacher?

A: The best experiences I have had is when the "light goes on." When I can have that true teaching moment, when the students understand and are interested in what you are discussing, that is my most worthwhile experience. I get to see them grow at that second as a person. When the kids are doing the talking about the topic, that's exciting.

Q: What do you want the public to know about your work?

A: I would like everyone to know that as educators, we do want the best for the students. We do care and are concerned for them. Our goal is to help the students succeed and that is what guides our actions.

Q: Is there a person - either someone you know or someone famous - who inspired you to be involved in teaching?

A: I cannot recall a person who has inspired me to become a teacher. My family has instilled in me a work ethic to always work hard and do something that you truly enjoy. I can honestly say, even as a student myself, I have enjoyed school. Now as a teacher I get to go to work and do something I enjoy.

Q: What should students take from their lessons in civics?

A: I hope that my students walk out of my class with a basic understanding how our government works and what their part is in it. They should understand that government and civic life is not for politicians, but for everyone.

Q: What's your definition of history?

A: History is the actions and lives of people. It is how people live their lives and what helps to shape them.

Q: If you could go back in time to visit or participate in a historic event or era, what would it be?

A: I would go back to the 1860s. I have always been fascinated by the Civil War and would like to see first hand the experiences of daily life. The event would be the Battle of Gettysburg on the third day in the center of the Union line for Pickett's charge.